UX/UI Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Manager

Company: Hyundai Capital America (HCA)

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: UX/UI Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design across HCA's digital platforms, including dealer portals, external websites, and mobile applications.

• Drive the design process from initial concept and user research through to final execution, ensuring exceptional quality, usability, and aesthetic standards are met.

• Collaborate closely with product owners, developers, business stakeholders, and global headquarters to align UX/UI design strategies with marketing, business objectives, and brand guidelines.

• Manage relationships with external creative agencies and vendors, ensuring project deliverables meet quality, timeline, and budget requirements.

• Champion user-centered design principles and advocate for the end-user throughout the organization, fostering a culture of design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes strategic leadership in UX/UI design within the automotive finance sector. The hybrid work model with a significant in-office component (4 days) suggests a need for strong in-person collaboration and team integration, crucial for a management position involving cross-functional and global stakeholder engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive UX/UI design strategies that support HCA's product roadmap and corporate objectives for brands such as Hyundai Motor Finance, Genesis Finance, and Kia Finance.

• Conduct and oversee user research, usability testing, and data analysis to gather actionable insights that inform design decisions and enhance the overall user journey and customer experience.

• Create and present detailed design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions to stakeholders.

• Establish and maintain design systems, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency, scalability, and brand alignment across all digital touchpoints.

• Proactively engage with business leaders at HCA, global headquarters, and local OEMs to ensure cohesive UX/UI design strategies and effective execution across different markets and platforms.

• Manage vendor relationships, including briefing, performance evaluation, and quality assurance of external creative agency deliverables.

• Advocate for design best practices, accessibility standards, and emerging UX/UI trends within the organization.

• Collaborate with development teams to ensure seamless implementation of designs and provide ongoing design support throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership, hands-on design execution, and vendor management. The emphasis on global collaboration and brand alignment across multiple automotive finance brands indicates a need for strong strategic thinking and an understanding of complex organizational structures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field. Certifications in user experience are a plus.

Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of relevant design experience focused on cross-channel user experience. Prior experience managing relationships with creative agencies is preferred. Prior experience in automotive finance is also preferred.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, user research methodologies, usability testing, interaction design, and information architecture.

• Demonstrated experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, and/or Figma.

• Proven ability to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive and engaging design solutions.

• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and responsive design principles.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders at all levels.

• Demonstrated experience working in an Agile development environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for strategy formulation and complex design challenges.

• Proven organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with HTML/CSS/JavaScript/React.

• Familiarity with photo editing or video editing software.

• Knowledge of the automotive or automotive finance industry.

• Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD) and digital marketing technologies (web, mobile, email, etc.).

• Understanding of how UX design contributes to business goals and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in core UX/UI principles and practical tool proficiency. The preference for automotive finance experience and familiarity with related technologies like HTML/CSS/JavaScript suggests that candidates with domain-specific knowledge will have a competitive advantage. The mention of "5-7 years" experience level implies a mid-to-senior level role with leadership expectations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of UX/UI design work across multiple digital platforms (websites, mobile apps, dealer portals).

• Case studies demonstrating a clear understanding of the design process, from problem definition and user research to solution design and outcomes.

• Examples of interactive prototypes and high-fidelity designs that illustrate user flows, interaction patterns, and visual design execution.

• Projects that highlight your ability to manage complex design challenges and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Evidence of applying user-centered design principles and data-driven insights to inform design decisions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have developed and maintained design systems, style guides, or design best practices.

• Documentation of user research findings, usability testing reports, and how these insights were integrated into design iterations.

• Workflow examples demonstrating your approach to managing the design process from concept to execution within an Agile framework.

• Documentation of collaboration with development teams and stakeholders, showcasing effective communication and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical, as it directly reflects the candidate's practical skills and experience. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining their design decisions, the challenges faced, and the impact of their work, especially in terms of user experience improvements and business alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX/UI Design Manager role with 5-7 years of experience in the Irvine, California area, the estimated salary range is between $120,000 - $160,000 annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in Orange County, the specialized nature of the automotive finance industry, and the management responsibilities involved.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Flexibility: A hybrid work model offering 4 days in the office and 1 day remote, balancing in-person collaboration with personal flexibility.

• Vehicle Perks: Monthly vehicle allowance and attractive purchase and lease discounts for Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia vehicles.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Robust medical, dental, and vision plans to support employee health and well-being.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Employer-funded HSA contributions to assist with healthcare expenses.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and a company match, providing strong financial planning support.

• Insurance: 100% company-paid life and disability insurance coverage.

• Wellbeing Programs: Resources and benefits focused on employee fitness and overall health.

• Professional Development: Access to leadership programs and career development opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

• Community Engagement: Paid Volunteer Time Off and a company charitable donation in your honor, reflecting HCA's commitment to social responsibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement suggests flexibility in daily schedules, but the 4-day in-office requirement necessitates consistent availability for team collaboration and meetings during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable compensation resources for UX/UI Design Manager roles in major California metropolitan areas, adjusted for the specific industry and experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, with particular emphasis on vehicle-related perks relevant to HCA's automotive affiliations, and strong financial and well-being support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Finance. Hyundai Capital America (HCA) operates within the dynamic financial services sector, specifically supporting the automotive industry through financing, leasing, and insurance solutions for Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia brands. This context implies a blend of financial services rigor and automotive industry familiarity.

Company Size: HCA is a significant player in the automotive finance market, employing a substantial workforce (likely hundreds to thousands of employees, based on typical large financial service organizations). This size suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Hyundai Capital America was established to provide dedicated financial services for the automotive brands. While the exact founding date isn't provided, its presence as a major financier indicates a mature and established operation.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design Manager will likely lead a team of UX/UI designers, potentially including specialists in research, interaction design, and visual design.

• The team operates within a broader product or digital transformation department, collaborating closely with product managers, software engineers, marketing teams, and business analysts.

• Reporting is likely to a Director or VP of Digital Products, Design, or Technology, with regular interaction with senior business leaders and global headquarters counterparts. Methodology:

• HCA emphasizes a growth, innovation, and people-centric approach. This suggests a culture that values continuous improvement and employee development.

• The company operates within a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas are encouraged, and impact is valued.

• Design processes are likely to be aligned with Agile methodologies, focusing on iterative development and stakeholder feedback.

Company Website: https://www.hyundaicapitalamerica.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as growth-driven, innovative, and people-focused, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The hybrid work model (4 days in-office) underscores the importance of in-person collaboration within this culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position, requiring leadership experience in UX/UI design. It sits above individual contributor designers and below senior leadership (e.g., Director, VP). The role demands strategic thinking, team management, and the ability to influence design direction across multiple brands and platforms.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Digital Product, Design, or Technology. They will manage a team of designers and collaborate extensively with product management, engineering, marketing, and business stakeholders across various departments, including global headquarters.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Design Manager has a significant impact on the company's customer acquisition, retention, and overall brand perception. By creating intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences, they directly influence customer satisfaction, operational efficiency (e.g., through self-service portals), and ultimately, the company's revenue and market position in the competitive automotive finance landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Director-level roles, overseeing larger design teams or broader digital product functions.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term UX/UI strategy for multiple automotive brands, influencing product development and digital transformation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop deeper knowledge of the automotive finance industry, product management, and technology development through close collaboration.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of designers, fostering their professional growth and building a high-performing design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within design leadership, with opportunities to expand influence across brands and product portfolios. The emphasis on strategic impact and cross-functional collaboration makes it an attractive position for experienced designers looking to move into management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Irvine, California, and operates under a hybrid work arrangement, requiring 4 days per week in the office. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with dedicated workspaces and meeting areas.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Irvine, California. This location is known for its business-friendly environment and presence of major corporations, offering good accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to foster collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous interactions and planned team meetings.

• Employees will have access to the necessary tools and technology to perform their roles, including design software, hardware, and connectivity.

• The hybrid model implies a need for efficient use of in-office time for team-building, brainstorming, and complex problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for one remote day, providing some flexibility, but the 4-day in-office requirement ensures consistent team presence and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key characteristic of the work environment, emphasizing a balance between in-person collaboration and individual flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable working in a structured office setting for the majority of the week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications to assess alignment with basic and preferred qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An initial conversation with the hiring manager to discuss experience, leadership style, and fit for the role and team.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. A design challenge or case study related to UX/UI within the automotive finance sector may be presented to assess practical skills and strategic thinking.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering Leads, Business Leaders) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and understanding of business objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (Director/VP) to discuss strategic vision and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UX/UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Management Aspects: If possible, include projects where you led design initiatives, managed stakeholders, or mentored junior designers.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with complex digital platforms, user research, and strategic design thinking, ideally within a corporate or financial services context.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design decisions, rationale, and how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Hyundai Capital America, its brands (Hyundai, Genesis, Kia Finance), and the automotive finance industry.

• Focus on User-Centricity: Be prepared to articulate how you would approach a design challenge from a user's perspective, considering their needs, pain points, and journey.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Show how your design solutions align with business goals, brand identity, and operational efficiency.

• Structure Your Approach: Clearly outline your problem-solving methodology, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Present Concisely: Practice presenting your thoughts and solutions clearly and concisely, respecting any time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical design skills and leadership capabilities. A strong portfolio and the ability to articulate strategic design thinking are paramount. The potential for a design challenge indicates a focus on practical application of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal platforms for conducting and analyzing user research and usability studies.

• Collaboration & Project Management: JIRA, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for tracking user behavior on websites and understanding performance metrics.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI might be used by related teams for broader business insights, which UX designers should be able to interpret.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX/UI, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for user journeys and customer data integration. Technical Familiarity:

• Web Technologies: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React is desirable, as it aids in understanding development constraints and possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is a core requirement. Familiarity with user research platforms and web analytics tools is also highly beneficial for data-informed design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Growth & Innovation: A culture that encourages continuous learning, experimentation, and the development of new ideas to drive business forward.

• People-Centric: Emphasis on employee well-being, diversity, inclusion, and fostering a supportive work environment.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared objectives.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible results and making a meaningful contribution to the company's success and customer satisfaction.

• User Advocacy: A commitment to understanding and championing the needs of the end-user in all design and product decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Design teams work closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and other business units to ensure alignment and cohesive product development.

• Agile & Iterative: Collaboration often happens within Agile sprints, involving regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and iterative design improvements.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members and stakeholders.

• Global Alignment: Requires effective communication and collaboration with global counterparts to ensure brand consistency and strategic alignment across regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are centered around growth, innovation, and people, suggesting a dynamic and supportive workplace. The collaboration style emphasizes cross-functional teamwork and an iterative, user-focused approach, critical for a management role bridging design and business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse and sometimes conflicting demands from various business stakeholders, global headquarters, and OEMs while maintaining a strong user focus.

• Brand Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring a cohesive and consistent user experience across multiple distinct brands (Hyundai, Genesis, Kia) and diverse digital platforms.

• Navigating a Hybrid Environment: Maximizing productivity and team cohesion within a hybrid work model, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between remote and in-office team members.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying abreast of rapid advancements in UX/UI design trends, tools, and front-end development technologies to maintain cutting-edge solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Develop advanced skills in setting design strategy, managing design teams, and influencing product roadmaps at a higher organizational level.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in the automotive finance sector, understanding its unique user needs, regulatory landscape, and business drivers.

• Cross-Brand Design Management: Gain experience managing design initiatives across multiple prominent automotive brands, refining brand stewardship skills.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and participate in leadership development programs offered by HCA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a design management role in a large, multi-brand organization, requiring strong strategic, communication, and adaptability skills. The growth opportunities are significant, focusing on leadership, strategic influence, and industry specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a UX/UI strategy for a new digital product or platform within the automotive finance industry." (Focus on user research, business alignment, and phased rollout.)

• "How do you balance the needs of multiple stakeholders (e.g., business leaders, product managers, global HQ, OEMs) while ensuring a strong user-centered design?" (Prepare examples of negotiation, prioritization, and communication.)

• "Walk us through a complex UX/UI design challenge you've faced and how you used data and user research to overcome it and achieve a successful outcome." (Be ready to detail your process, rationale, and measurable results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Hyundai Capital America and our specific brands (Hyundai, Genesis, Kia Finance)?" (Research HCA's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive design culture within a team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your leadership style and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you measure the success and business impact of your UX/UI design initiatives?" (Prepare to discuss key metrics like conversion rates, task completion, user satisfaction, and ROI.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and design philosophy, then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Emphasize Process & Rationale: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your specific role, the methodology used (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions, and the impact achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, point out instances where you led design efforts, managed stakeholders, or mentored team members.

• Connect to HCA: Tailor your presentation to show how your skills and experience align with HCA's needs, mentioning their brands and industry where relevant.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical considerations, and how you handle constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, user advocacy, and strong leadership potential. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, justify their decisions with data and user insights, and connect their experience to HCA's specific business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Taleo careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in cross-channel UX/UI design, user research, and strategic thinking. Include case studies demonstrating your process and impact, especially if you have experience in finance, automotive, or complex digital platforms.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5-7+ years of relevant experience, management capabilities, and proficiency in key design tools and methodologies. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI Design," "Agile," "User Research," "Prototyping," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Hyundai Capital America, its brands, and the automotive finance industry. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on problem-solving, user advocacy, and business impact. Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions.

• Company Culture Research: Understand HCA's values of growth, innovation, and people-centricity, and consider how your own work style and values align with their collaborative, hybrid environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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